The true gift of the season…

By Cindy Bowden

As is my custom at this time of year, I am sending out a little pocket planner to use, as many of my clients do, for reminders and events throughout the year. It’s my gift to you as a token of my appreciation for the trust and confidence you have in me as your advisor.

As I sit at my desk, however, thinking about my life and career, I am struck by the awareness that the true gift is the contribution I am able to make to my clients’ lives. A recent report found that investors who have a financial advisor over 10 to 14 years generated approximately double the net worth of investors who did not have a financial advisor.

We know that increased net worth, generated through years of incremental tax savings, better returns on investments and disciplined savings, is the foundation for a deeper feeling of security leading to a healthier body, spirit and mind. People are living longer than they ever have; in Canada, a 65-year-old man now has an average life expectancy of 85.9 years. The average 65-year-old woman will live to age 88.3. This longevity, and the impact of inflation for so many years after we finish working full-time, means we need to do a lot of planning.

Let me tell you about my aunt. At 95 years old, she has Alzheimer’s, but her body is very strong from years of walking and other forms of exercise. She has a large family of children and grandchildren who visit her, and take care of her physical and emotional well-being. Like many of my clients, she has enough money to take her to the end of her life without having to burden her children or society.

Knowing that my clients are well taken care of is what nurtures me and drives me to keep doing what I do. That’s why I say it’s a gift as much for me as it is for the people I serve, like you.

It’s never too late – or too early – to get started. And, it’s always a good time to review things to see if you can take advantage of new and renewed investment options and planning strategies.

Which brings me back to the pocket planner. Perhaps one of the best ways to use it is to put a little reminder in your planner to call me in January. Together we can set up a date for a review, for yourself, or for your children, parents or other relative or friend. That would be a gift!